I have metioned earlier how cellular phones have proliferated here since the fall of Saddam. It seems as if every adult has one. In the past few days, I have had the occasion to chuckle a couple of times - at ringtones. Two senior Iraqi Officers have ringtones set on their cellular phones that cracked me up. One had his set to play "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and the other's was set to play "Jingle Bells." Both of these men are devout Sunni Muslims. I did not burst into laughter but many of the Americans could not help but crack a smile. For the few that will ask, it is not because Arabic tunes are not available as ringtones here. There are plenty of them. I suppose that I have just taken for granted after all these years what catchy tunes some Christmas Carols are...
I could see where those carols would be fun for someone who had never heard them before. It is rather amusing though! ;)
Posted by: Anna | November 22, 2005 at 09:02 AM
ringtones of christmas carols would be odd, and funny at the same time, i want to wish you a happy thanksgiving , and that i am thankful for what you, and fellow soliders do for america.
thank you
god bless
Posted by: Beka | November 22, 2005 at 09:22 AM
Someone told me of how they went to Israel once, and rented a car one day, which happened to be a Palestinian car (they have different licence plates)...anyways, all was normal, until they went into reverse, and the car had reverse music, like some cars have beeping...but it was "Jingle Bells"...
Posted by: CaliValleyGirl | November 22, 2005 at 12:15 PM
I want the Marine Corps Hym
Posted by: DaveH | November 22, 2005 at 09:16 PM
Well over 4 million cell phone accounts, versus less than ten thousand before the war.
I have speculated that this level of communication potential will do as much to assist in the recovery and democratization of Iraq as anything. For the first time, Iraqis can call anyone, anywhere. That has to be a good thing.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins | November 23, 2005 at 04:42 AM
How funny that is! I have the National Anthem on mine, when it rings in public settings I get a lot of smiles and comments.
Posted by: Gypsy | November 23, 2005 at 07:45 AM
That is funny.
Give it time before you hear the "Annoying Thing" ding-ding all over.
Posted by: Maverickmerlion | November 23, 2005 at 08:36 AM
Apparently you can customize ring tones by the number that is calling. The secretary of my project has her teenage daughter's phone number tagged with one that causes us all to laugh at our meetings when she gets a call from the young, helpless gal. It is the sound of the plaintive mewing of a kitten.
Posted by: Edward | November 23, 2005 at 11:38 PM